Afghan Market Hit by Deadly Suicide Bombing

At least 15 people are dead in Afghanistan after a suicide bomber attacked a busy market in the country's north.

The governor of Faryab province told news agencies the bomber struck during the Tuesday bazaar in the provincial capital, Maimana. At least 40 people were wounded

The attack comes as Afghans prepare to elect a new president on April 5.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but it follows a Taliban threat to wage a campaign of violence to disrupt the presidential vote.

Bombings have been common tactics in the Taliban's fight against President Hamid Karzai's U.S.-backed government.

The next president will face a challenging new era, as Afghan forces take complete control of security without the help of international combat troops. Foreign forces are set to end their combat mission by the end of this year.